How to Learn the Falsetto

Falsetto, or false voice, refers to when men or women sing in their highest register. The technique is used in classical music by counter-tenors. It also is utilized in pop music by singers such as Frankie Vallie and Barry Gibb, and in rock music by groups such as Van Halen and Radiohead. Falsetto voice also is commonly heard in yodeling and in barbershop quartets. Learning to sing in a falsetto voice is challenging, and attempts should be made carefully because singing in falsetto can strain your voice.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

How to Learn the Falsetto

1. Relax your body and your vocal cords. Stretch for 2 minutes. Yawn a couple of times.

2. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm. Put your hand on your diaphragm to make sure your breath is coming from the diaphragm and not from the stomach. Breathing from the diaphragm will allow you to take crisp, deep breaths and it will mean less strain on your throat and vocal chords.

3. Try the siren method for getting up into your high range. Start at your lowest range, making the sound "oo." Move slowly up into your high range, making the sound of a siren, "wooah, wooah." Go to the highest note you can manage without straining, continuing the sound of the siren. Stay at your high note and make the sound of the siren for a sustained period. Move slowly back down into your lower range. Remember to breathe from your diaphragm.

4. Notice as you reach the higher points of your vocal range that you are singing more from your head than from your chest. Notice you are feeling sounds coming through your nose and sinuses.

5. Sing in your high range and put your hand on your chest. If you feel your chest vibrating, you are not in your falsetto voice. Sing in your high range and feel your vocal chords vibrating rather than your chest.

6. Practice feeling the vibrations come from your vocal cords. Practice singing in your high range and feeling your voice coming from your head rather than from your chest. Practice breathing from your diaphragm while you sing. Practice scales in your falsetto range. Add the falsetto range to your singing practice.

7. Consider getting a voice coach to train you in singing falsetto. Ask for recommendations for a coach from other singers and people in the music business.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not strain your throat, your vocal cords or your voice. Singing in falsetto can harm your voice. Professional voice coaching is recommended.

References

• How Can I Learn to Sing High Notes?